Coinbase and Mercuryo Halve USDC On-Ramp Fees for MetaMask Users on Base Network

Coinbase has joined forces with fintech firm Mercuryo to cut USDC on-ramping fees by roughly 50% for MetaMask wallet users operating on the Base layer-2 network. The move aims to attract both new and existing MetaMask users to Base, bolstering adoption of the network’s low-cost, high-speed infrastructure.

The announcement follows closely on the heels of Circle’s plan to develop a stablecoin-native layer-1 blockchain, with USDC functioning as its primary gas token. Circle and Coinbase share deep roots through their founding of the CENTRE Consortium, the entity that originally launched USDC.

Petr Kozyakov, CEO of Mercuryo, underscored the strategic importance of stablecoins in today’s market. “Stablecoins are front and center in the crypto narrative of 2025,” he said, noting the critical role they play in bridging traditional finance with blockchain-based ecosystems.

USDC remains the world’s second-largest stablecoin, with $61.3 billion in circulation. The token has experienced significant momentum, driven in part by Circle’s successful IPO and a 90% year-over-year surge in supply. Coinbase has also been actively expanding USDC’s utility, including a recent partnership with JPMorgan to enable credit card point conversions into USDC on Base.

By lowering the cost barrier for on-ramping, Coinbase and Mercuryo are positioning Base as a key hub for stablecoin transactions. The fee reduction is expected to not only incentivize new users to explore Base but also reinforce the network’s growing role as a competitive environment for decentralized applications, payments, and digital asset settlement.

This initiative reflects a broader industry push to make stablecoin usage more accessible, efficient, and cost-effective—aligning with trends that suggest stablecoins could play a central role in the next phase of global payments infrastructure.